Vulnerability

“A person is vulnerable if, as a result of their situation or circumstances, they are unable to take care of or protect themselves or others from harm or exploitation.” - THRIVE

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As demand on the police shifts towards public protective services, together with forces, we have identified the need to further upskill police officers and staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to vulnerable people in a consistent and effective way. A shared approach between forces, partner agencies and the government is a vital component that will help us achieve this.

Here are some of the College products currently available to support forces in responding to those who are vulnerable.

Vulnerability CPD package

Our package contains nine programmes, each focuses on an interview with or about a vulnerable person:

This learning package uses real life case studies to encourage frontline officers and staff to look beyond the obvious and feel empowered to use their professional curiosity when dealing with those who are vulnerable. It is supported by research and an independent evaluation. Find out more about this programme by emailing
vulnerability@college.pnn.police.uk.

Force self-assessment health check

A self-assessment health check is available on PSQMS for forces to complete. Once completed, it should be used to help forces identify areas for improvement and put in place the necessary structures to support officers and staff to respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals.
Find out more about the health check.

Other CPD packages

We have developed a number of CPD packages to support police officers and staff in their yearly professional development, including:

Achieving best evidence (ABE) - The impact of abuse and other traumatic experiences: Implications for interviews with Dr Kev SmithPart 1Part 2

Multi-agency critical incident exercise (MACIE)

We run MACIE, a multi-agency immersive learning exercise for child safeguarding specialists that explores decision making whilst also providing an opportunity for collaborative learning and networking. Due to its complexity, this exercise must be delivered in collaboration with the College.
Find out more about MACIE.

SCAIDP module 4 hydra exercise

An optional delivery method for module 4 of SCAIDP (Specialist child abuse investigation development programme) will develop officers' understanding of the multi-agency working approach; the practices, policy, procedures and legislation that binds the working relationship together in Child Abuse Investigations. For more information, see the
module 4 overview document.

DA matters

A programme developed with the support of SafeLives to enhance the skills, knowledge and effectiveness of first responders in dealing with domestic abuse. It consists of a one-day training programme for first responders, a peer coaching programme and a health check. For more information please
visit the SafeLives website.

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